Ugadi/Gudi Padwa/Baisakhi brings a fresh air of new hope and a prosperous year ahead. It is the beginning of a New Year for the Deccan region in India, lies in between the Vindhyachal Hills and Kaveri River which flows from Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
Today on this Ugadi, let’s celebrate the beginning of the day of Sukla Paksha of the Indian month of Chaitra. As per the Gregorian Calendar, the occasion of Ugadi falls in March and April. The other names of Ugadi for different states are;
- Thapna in Rajasthan
- Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra
- Puthandu in Tamil Nadu
- Baisakhi in Punjab
- Chheti Chand among Sindhis
- Sajubu Nongma Padwa in Manipur
Significance of Ugadi Festival
The word Yugadi or Ugadi means Start of a New Yug ( Era in Sanskrit). It is the new beginning filled with auspicious and heavenly life forces that tends to hold us together. Ugadi starts after the sun changes its position. It changes direction from Southern to Northern Hemisphere during the Spring Equinox. It makes the beginning of the spring season symbolic of New Hope, New Life, and Aspirations.
The story behind Ugadi
The interesting story of the Lunar Calendar of Gautamiputra Satakarni is very much recalled on this day. There is a cycle of sixty years on the Lunar calendar and each New Year starts with the day of Yugadi on Chaitra Sudhdha Paadyami. Once the completion of the sixty years is witnessed then a fresh New beginning- a New year commences is celebrated.
This calendar dates back to the Shalivahana Era which was built by the great legend Shalibvahana. King Shalivahana was referred to as Gautamiputra Satakarni who was the sole responsible person for the initiating of the era of Shalivahana.
The grand festival of Ugadi marks the fresh beginning of the New Year for those who reside between the Kaveri River and Vindhyas. The calendar is largely followed in South India especially in the states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Maharastra.
Spring is overwhelmingly cherished
During this festival, the season of Spring arrives at its fullest, and everywhere there is a color of the festival that can be seen. New leaves budding on the trees look amazing and the utmost zeal and excitement of celebrating Ugadi are ushered.
Creation of the Universe
The celebration of the festival is made on this day as we all believe that on this day Lord Brahma created the universe. As per the Indian Mythology and belief, this day also marks that Lord Rama the creator of the Universe returned from his exile on this day which is celebrated as a new beginning.
Lord Vishnu’s Matsya Avatar
There is another mythological story behind the Ugadi festival. Once there was a demon whose name was Sambhabakasura. One day he stole the Vedas of the Lord Brahma and hid in the sea. When Lord Vishnu came to know about the story of stealing Vedas of Lord Brahma- he took the form of Matsya and fought with the monster under the sea. He strangled him with his powerful chakra and finally killed him. Lord Vishnu brought back the Vedas to Lord Brahma. This entire incident took place on the first day of the Chaitra month. Thus, Lord Brahma received back and created the entire universe on this day which marks the festival of the Ugadi.
Rituals followed on this day of Ugadi
- Ugadi is the annual festival time of merrymaking, colors and enjoyment witnessed among the people in the Deccan region in the South.
- People start preparing lovely homemade traditional food. Houses are cleaned, painted, and decorated with rangolis and fresh flowers. The auspicious Cow dung water is used to purify the house and the ambiance. Mango leaves are tied at the doorstep as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune for all.
- The day starts with a holy bath early at dawn, where people solely worship god and go to the temple for the traditional rituals seeking blessings for success and happiness for the entire year.
- People buy new clothes and wear new jewelry on this occasion.
- It is the time for the ripened mangoes which are served in various ways. The popular dishes made out of raw mangoes like Pulihora and Bobbatlu/Puran poli are also prepared during Ugadi.
- A most popular traditional dish called ‘Ugadi Pachadi’ is prepared on this day with green pepper, salt, neem, flowers, tamarind, and raw mango pieces which is the ideal symbol of the flavors of life.
- A grand cultural activity is performed. The devotional songs, poetry recitals, hymns, and related cultural activities take place to make it grand and memorable to all.
- The practice of Panchanga Shravanam is enjoyed with all the people gathered together to hear the panchanga – the forecast of the year.
- Special preparation of neem leaves and jaggery is distributed among all as a ritual.
- All the devotees are gathered in large numbers to visit the temple like Tirupati Venkateswara temple and Lord Shiva temple in Srisailam on this Day to offer their puja to the Almighty.
Explore the two most auspicious places on your two-wheeler this Ugadi
On this Ugadi plan out a visit to the most auspicious temple visit in the South on your motorcycle.
1: Tirupati Venkateswara Temple
This is the most acclaimed religious place in Andhra Pradesh which is crammed by tourists all the time. During Ugadi, the range of visits increases as all wish to seek blessings from the almighty. The chief attraction of the temple is Vishesh Puja which takes place around 5.30 am to 6.30 am each day. The temple is 12th century old and considered to be the wealthiest, holiest temple of the World chiefly encountering the proximity of 50,000 pilgrims visit each day.
Distance from Bangalore: 248.4 kilometers Via NH75
Time: 5-6 hours
2: Srisailam – Lord Shiva and Parvati Temple
The most popular Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy temple is one of the top destinations where 12 Jyotirlinga is situated. It is a 6 hours journey from the destination of Hyderabad where the temple is auspicious decorated and special darshan and Aarti is the main attraction. The huge complex of the temple is separated by sub-shrines, pillared halls, mandapas, and springs. The fortification of the walls is charismatic. On a Ugadi festival puja and mangal aarti takes place which must be witnessed by all.
Distance from Hyderabad: 216.1 Km via NH765
Time: 5-6 hours
So, if you are having a two-wheeler then make sure that you explore these two destinations on this Ugadi and enjoy the fresh beginning with new hope and aspirations from time to time.
